JOHN HARTSON reckons Celtic’s own Green Giant can frighten the life out of HJK Helsinki and edge the Hoops closer to the Champions League group stage.

The former Celts striker is convinced Kenyan colossus Victor Wanyama is the man to bulldoze a way past the Finns tomorrow night.

Wanyama has been touted for a move to the English Premier League with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool all reputedly keen on his services.

But Hartson insists Neil Lennon should not sell his prize asset just yet as the Northern Irishman is trying to build a team capable of regularly competing in the Champions League.

Hartson said: “I spoke to Neil on Saturday and he said Wanyama is a player who turns it on every day in training.

“He is strong and really looks the part. He is a monster of a man really and I have very rarely seen him put a foot wrong in midfield or in the back four.

“Wanyama is comfortable on the deck, he is an athlete and strong in the air.

“He’ll be a big player for Celtic against HJK Helsinki.

“I don’t think Neil is looking to get rid of anyone at this stage, least of all Wanyama.”

Hartson admits he’s still unsure if the Parkhead side have taken a gamble by not adding to their squad ahead of the qualifiers.

They travel to Helsinki defending a slender 2-1 lead and Hartson said: “When you look at last Wednesday’s game, Celtic have put themselves in a tie as they missed a few chances in the first leg and have made it difficult for themselves.

“But getting to the Champions League group stage would be massive for the club.

“It will be difficult as they have not added anyone this summer because they probably felt they didn’t need to.

“If they get through Wednesday’s game then I think they might strengthen after that.”

The Welshman was speaking at Forthbank Stadium as he launched a partnership between Stirling Albion and the John Hartson Foundation.

The Third Division club will be supporting John’s testicular cancer charity’s nationwide awareness campaign for the next two years and will sport the John Hartson Foundation logo on their shirts.